Adjustable headband

ABSTRACT

An adjustable headband is disclosed. The adjustable headband comprising an elongate base band being formed of an elastic material. The adjustable headband is provided with inner and outer surfaces and further includes a base band internal channel that is configured to receive and expel an elastic strap through openings being provided thereon. The elongate base band is capable of stretching to conform to the scalp of a user and wherein fastening means are used to secure the headband against the scalp once the elastic strap is fed through the base band channel and the elastic strap is fastened to the elongate base by creating a compressive force on the scalp to hold the adjustable headband in place. An integral layer of silicone webbing on the inner surface of the elongate base band is used to increase the friction between the elongate base band and the scalp.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to adjustable headbands. More specifically and without restriction to the particular embodiment and/or use which is shown and described for purposes of illustration, the present invention relates to an adjustable headband comprising an elongate base band including a base band internal channel that receives and expels an elastic strap therethrough for securing the same against the scalp of a user.

BACKGROUND

Adjustable headbands including those providing a circular or wraparound style with flexible materials are well known in the art. These are commonly used by athletes, children, and physically active individuals to prevent hair or perspiration from interfering with their field of view.

Certain advancements in the construction of headbands have provided for the construction of headbands using rigid materials in various styles and shapes. Some manufacturers have streamlined the determination of headband sizes by providing for the secured placement of headbands at specific points on top of the head or behind the ears. Despite a manufacturer's claim of adjustability, comfort, or flexibility during use, some headbands can be uncomfortable during use or strenuous to secure around the head. There are continuing unmet needs in the art for headbands that are easily adjustable, constructed from comfortable fabric, and remain in a secured position during vigorous activities.

To this end, the distinctive features of the present invention are further characterized with the following novel features: (1) An adjustable headband comprising an elongate band having an internal channel for receiving and expelling an elastic strap and wherein the inner surface of the elongate base band is secured against the scalp of a user by a compressive force exerted by the elastic strap; (2) The elongate base band being comprised of an elastic material formed by stitching a plurality of fabric panels together and the adjustable headband being secured against the scalp of a wearer whereby the elastic strap is fed through the base band channel and connected to the outer surface of the adjustable headband using hook and loop fastening means; (3) Wherein the inner surface of the elongate base band is comprised of an integral layer of silicone webbing designed to further increase friction between the elongate base band and the scalp; (4) Wherein the first end of the elastic strap contains an integral metal clip configured to prevent the first end of the elastic strap from reentering the base band channel and the second end of the elastic strap contains an integral ring buckle which prevents the second end of the elastic strap from reentering the base band channel; and (5) Wherein the elastic strap is fastened to the elongate base by creating a compressive force on the scalp and wherein the compressive force is created by feeding the first end of the elastic strap through the ring buckle of the second end of the elastic strap, then by securing the elastic strap to the outer surface of the elongate base.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable headband. The adjustable headband having an elastic strap that is fed through an elongate base channel then fastened to an elongate base outer surface for secured fastening on the outer surface of the elongate base.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband comprising an elongate base band and an elastic strap and wherein the inner surface of the elongate base band is secured against the scalp of a user by a compressive force exerted by the elastic strap.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband having a base band internal channel that is configured to receive and expel an elastic strap through a first opening and a second opening located at the first and second end of an elongate base band.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband having fastening means being integrally attached to the outer surface of an elongate base band and the outer ends of an elastic strap.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband having an elongate base band being comprised of an elastic material formed by stitching a plurality of fabric panels together and wherein the adjustable headband is secured against the scalp of a wearer using an elastic strap that is fed through a base band channel and connected to the outer surface of the elongate base band using hook and loop fastening means.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband wherein the adjustable headband material is moisture wicking or water-resistant.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband wherein the inner surface of an elongate base band is comprised of an integral layer of silicone webbing designed to increase friction between the elongate base band and the scalp.

Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband wherein the first end of an elastic strap contains an integral metal clip configured to prevent the first end of the elastic strap from reentering a base band channel and the second end of the elastic strap contains an integral ring buckle which prevents the second end of the elastic strap from reentering the base band channel.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an adjustable headband wherein an elastic strap is fastened to an elongate base band by feeding the first end of the elastic strap through a ring buckle of a second end of the elastic strap, then by securing the fastening means of a first surface of a first end of the elastic strap to the outer surface of the elongate base band fastening means.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of any described embodiment, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. In case of conflict with terms used in the art, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments are illustrated by way of the figures of the accompanying drawings, which may not necessarily be to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary view of the adjustable headband headband in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the adjustable headband with the base band channel and the elastic strap being fed therethrough.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the adjustable headband wherein the elastic strap is fastened to the elongate base band.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the adjustable headband wherein the elastic strap is fastened to the elongate base band.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate views of the adjustable headband wherein the headband is secured against the scalp of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1-7 show an adjustable headband 10 according to one embodiment of the invention as prescribed herein. In this embodiment, the adjustable headband 10 includes an elongate base band 12 having an outer surface 14, an inner surface 16, a first end 18, and a second end 22. The adjustable headband 10 further includes an elastic strap 24 having a first surface 26, a second surface 28, a first end 32, and a second end 34 and wherein the inner surface 16 of the elongate base band 12 is secured against the scalp 36 of a wearer by a compressive force exerted by the elastic strap 24.

A base band internal channel 38 is formed by the outer 14 and inner surfaces 16 of the elongate base band 12, wherein the base band internal channel 38 is configured to receive and expel the elastic strap 24 through a first opening 42 and a second opening 44 located at the first 18 and second end 22 of the elongate base band 12. The elastic strap 24 is further arranged to be longer than the elongate base band 12 and is configured to protrude through both the first opening 42 and the second opening 44 of the elongate base band 12. Fastening means 46 are integrally attached to the outer surface 14 of the elongate base band 12, the first surface 26 of the first end 32 of the elastic strap 24, and the second end 34 of the elastic strap 24.

For example, and without limitation, FIGS. 1-5 show the adjustable headband 10 having a hollow internal base band channel 38 formed in the elongate base band 12 for receiving the elastic strap 24. The elastic strap 24 with the associated first and second ends 32,34 and the first and second surfaces enter and exit the base band channel 38 at end openings 52 that are reinforced with grommets 48. The elongate base band 12 is comprised of an elastic material formed by stitching a plurality of fabric panels 54 together forming seams 56 and having and creating the inner 16 and outer surfaces 14. The adjustable headband 10 is thereby secured against the scalp 36 by feeding the elastic strap 24 through the base band channel 38 and connecting the outer surface 14 of the adjustable headband 10 using hook and loop fastening means 46. Additional fastening means integrally attached to the outer surface 14 of the elongate base band 12 and the first surface 26 of the first end 32 of the elastic strap 24 can include button fasteners.

The elongate base band 12 is formed of an elastic material capable of stretching to conform to the scalp 36 and hair of a wearer. The elastic material is therefore a self-reinforcing support means for the headband 10 and will help overcome any slippage or movement on the scalp 36. The frictional engagement with the scalp 36 of the user will help retain the adjustable headband 10 in place without creating any unneeded pressure or irritation. For example, the headband 10 can hold back hair from a wearer's face without disengagement from the wearer's head and at the same time it is streamlined to provide an aesthetic appearance.

The adjustable headband 10 can utilize conventional fastening means integrally attached to the outer surface 14 of the elongate base band 12 and the first surface 26 of the first end 32 of the elastic strap 24. These can include button fasteners and the aforementioned hook and loop fasteners that can be applied directly to the garment in a manner that would avoid separation or accidental displacement of the adjustable headband 10 from the scalp 36. The first opening 42 and the second opening 44 located at the first 18 and second end 22 of the elongate base band 12 are further reinforced with integral grommets 48.

The adjustable headband 10 material is moisture wicking or water-resistant and thereby allows the adjustable headband 10 to reduce the accumulation of moisture by drawing it away from the skin. The inner surface 16 of the elongate base band 12 is thereby further comprised of an integral layer of silicone webbing 58 designed to increase friction between the elongate base band 12 and the scalp 36. The silicone webbing 58 further provides for an anti-slip alignment between the elongate base band 12 and the scalp 36 and improves the snug fit and comfort of the headband 12 over extended periods of repetitive use. Additional reinforcements are created whereby the first end 32 of the elastic strap 24 contains an integral metal clip 62 configured to prevent the first end 32 of the elastic strap 24 from reentering the base band channel 38, and the second end 34 of the elastic strap 24 contains an integral ring buckle 64 which prevents the second end 34 of the elastic strap 24 from reentering the same.

An important objective of the present invention is the improved manner in which the adjustable headband 10 and the associated fastening means 46 are secured on the scalp 36. The adjustable headband 10 is fastened to the elongate base band 12 by feeding the first end 32 of the elastic strap 24 through the ring buckle 64 of the second end 34 of the elastic strap 24, then by securing the fastening means 46 of the first surface 26 of the first end 32 of the elastic strap 24 to the outer surface 14 of the elongate base band fastening means 46, creating a compressive force on the scalp 36 to hold the adjustable headband 10 in place. A plurality of rivets 66 is driven through the base band material. These rivets 66 can be positioned in a manner to prevent passage through to the base band internal channel 38.

Function and Appealing Features

The headband 10 is suggested by the inventor because she believes it would fulfill the need for an adjustable headband 10 that is easy to use and comfortable to wear. The appealing features of the adjustable headband 10 would be its proficiency of use, waterproof surface material, convenience, suitability, and efficiency.

Variations of the Adjustable Headband

The potential exists for varying the production of the adjustable headband 10 in ways, which could make it more appealing to a wider range of wearers. This wider range of wearers is thereby provided with an adjustable headband 10 with a superior fit, refined comfort, and reduced chance of slippage while in use.

The fabric being used to construct the headband 10 can be light weight, low porous count, soft, non-irritating, or non-woven fabric. The adjustable headband 10 can also be fabricated from cotton, cold weather fabric, stretchable fabric, fabric that is used to construct sporting gear or fabric that is worn when participating in outdoor activities such as football, soccer, tennis, and similar activities where an increase in exertion and movement are required. Any of the aforementioned headband arrangements can be produced in a variety of colors and covered with a plurality of fabrics including satin cloth, cotton, polyester, leather, faux, solid, printed, or plaid materials.

The adjustable headband 10 can also be constructed in a plurality of colors, textured patterns, embroidery, materials, shapes, textures, prints, and designs to reflect the personal tastes and desires of the manufacturer or users. Insignia that are useful in a particular workplace where color is required for health or safety reasons can also be used. In addition, infinite numbers of additional elements such as logos, trademarks, family reunion decorations, sports memorabilia, and reflective materials can be applied and the fabric can be intermixed between various decorative patterns, knitting, and shape designs of materials typically used to construct the same.

Having described my invention, however, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable headband, comprising: an elongate base band having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a first end and a second end; an elastic strap, the elastic strap having a first surface and a second surface, a first end and a second end, wherein the inner surface of the elongate base band is secured against the scalp of a user by a compressive force exerted by the elastic strap; a base band internal channel formed by the outer and inner surfaces of the elongate base band, wherein the base band internal channel is configured to receive and expel the elastic strap through a first opening and a second opening located at the first and second end of the elongate base band; the elastic strap is arranged to be longer than the elongate base band and is configured to protrude through both the first opening and the second opening of the elongate base band; fastening means integrally attached to the outer surface of the elongate base band, the first surface of the first end of the elastic strap, and the second end of the elastic strap.
 2. The adjustable headband of claim 1, where the elongate base band is formed of an elastic material capable of stretching to conform to the scalp a user.
 3. The adjustable headband of claim 1, wherein the fastening means integrally attached to the outer surface of the elongate base band and the first surface of the first end of the elastic strap are button fasteners.
 4. The adjustable headband of claim 1, wherein the fastening means integrally attached to the outer surface of the elongate base band and the first surface of the first end of the elastic strap are hook and loop fasteners.
 5. The adjustable headband of claim 1, where the first opening and a second opening located at the first and second end of the elongate base band are reinforced with integral grommets or eyelets.
 6. An adjustable headband comprising: a hollow internal base band channel formed in an elongate base band for receiving an elastic strap, the elastic strap with a first and second end and a first and second surface enters and exits the base band channel at end openings which are reinforced with grommets, the elongate base band is comprised of an elastic material formed by stitching a plurality of fabric panels together forming seams and having an inner and outer surface, said adjustable headband is secured against a scalp using the elastic strap fed through the base band channel and connected to the outer surface of the adjustable headband using hook and loop fastening means.
 7. The adjustable headband of claim 2 or 6, wherein the adjustable headband material is moisture wicking or water resistant.
 8. The adjustable headband of claim 1 or 6, wherein the inner surface of the elongate base band is comprised of an integral layer of silicone webbing designed to increase friction between the elongate base band and the scalp.
 9. The adjustable headband of claim 1 or 6, wherein the first end of the elastic strap contains an integral metal clip configured to prevent the first end of the elastic strap from reentering the base band channel, and the second end of the elastic strap contains an integral ring buckle which prevents the second end of the elastic strap from reentering the base band channel.
 10. The adjustable headband of claim 9, wherein the elastic strap is fastened to the elongate base band by feeding the first end of the elastic strap through the ring buckle of the second end of the elastic strap, then by securing the fastening means of the first surface of the first end of the elastic strap to the outer surface of the elongate base band fastening means, creating a compressive force on the scalp to hold the adjustable headband in place.
 11. The adjustable headband of claim 1 or 6, wherein a plurality of rivets is driven through the base band material. 